HJK Helsinki vs BATE Borisov

HJK Helsinki host BATE Borisov in the 2nd leg between them in CL qualifications.

HJK made really hopeful result in the 1st leg (0:0), surprising for a lot of people, because BATE is the team with more quality and expeience in Europe matches in the last 8-9 years and it was expected them to win, even if it's with a goal advantage. BATE were dominating- they had more possession, more shots in comparison with their opponent, but the biggest reason for the goalless draw were the few shots on target-3 for the home team from almost 15 shots and only 1 for the visitors. HJK did their job- not to lose in Belarus after solid defensive performance, but this final result 0:0 can be really dangerous for them, because in Finland I expect them to play much more open, maybe even attacking in some part of the match and BATE will have bigger chances for a goal.

Both of the teams are in very solid competitive form and the difference between them is not huge as I thought before the 1st leg. Still I think BATE will do what they have to qualify for the next round, but it is not expected to happen that easy for sure. HJK are very good at home, they had some very good results at their stadium during the last seasons, especially in season 2014/15. In the last three seasons in Europe results like 0:0 or 1:1 are very typical for them at home turf and that's the reason to think they can repeat one of them against BATE.

HJK will also miss the defenders Ryan O'Shaughnessy Juha Pirinen, together with the forward Akseli Pelvas, while the guests are with fresh team for their visit in Finland. Under 2.5 goals looks so tempting and can't miss to play it, I also recommend it to all of the people, who will bet on this match(odds are about 1.50/1.55), but I choose to play something a little bit different- under 2.5 goals+ draw between these two clubs. It's hard for me to imagine HJK will eliminate BATE at so early stage in CL qualifications, but also BATE couldn't succeed to win their home game, so I don't expect anything to change dramacitally in the 2nd leg and there will be another equal match. If they play more open football, 1:1 is very possible outcome for me, but if there is lack of real goal chances like in the 1st leg, I don't exclude extra time or even penalties. BATE are not good as visitors, their wins away from home are very rare, but as they don't have advantage after the 1st leg in Belarus, they just don't have the option to lose this game in Finland, because it will practically mean elimiation.